FREMANTLE Harbour will follow in the likes of port redevelopments such as Barangaroo (Sydney), Canary Wharf (London), and HafenCity (Hamburg) in the wake of the shift of the container terminal to Kwinana.

The state government has approved a plan for the transformation of Fremantle Port which it says has potential to deliver thousands of homes for up to 55,000 new residents, 45,000 jobs and $13.6 billion in gross state product.

Prepared by the Western Australian Planning Commission’s Future of Fremantle Planning Committee the two-year planning and investigation process it outlines a 50-year redevelopment, to be staged as land becomes available through the relocation of trades.

It aims to create new opportunities for tourism, maritime industries, education, culture and the arts, and research and development.

Consisting of 260 hectares of land and 10 kilometres of ocean and river frontage from Victoria Quay to Leighton and down to Rous Head the plan aims to create walkable and well-connected streets and stronger connections between Fremantle and its waterfront.

As government media release said the plan embraces innovation and sustainable urban lifestyles.

“Large areas of the site are dedicated to parks and green open spaces with a managed response proposed to protect Port and Sandtrax beaches from further coastal erosion,” the release said.

The harbour will continue to cater for passenger cruise, visiting naval and recreational vessels. 

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said $273 million had been committed to progress detailed planning for the new container port.

“By relocating these services further south on our coastline, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our harbour city and deliver new maritime, tourism, housing, employment and cultural experiences in Fremantle,” Ms Saffioti said.

“It is important to plan for the future now by understanding the capacity and potential of this iconic part of our coastline and the economic opportunities it can deliver for the future of our State – including an extra $13.6 billion in Gross State Product.”